HC admits appeal against Aishwarya challenging IT exemption

Published: Tuesday, October 14, 2008, 22:32 [IST]

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Mumbai, Oct 14 (UNI) The Bombay High Court has admitted an appeal filed by the Income Tax authorities, challenging the exemption sought by Bollywood actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan from the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) on her Non Resident Indian (NRI) status.

A Division Bench headed by Justice S Radhakrishnan admitted the appeal filed by IT authorities over Aishwarya's tax assessment for the financial year 1996-1997.

The appeal was field by IT authorities in respose to ITAT's last year decision quashing an IT department decision to reopen Aishwarya's tax assessment.

Arguing on behalf of IT authorities, senior advocate Benny Chatterjee argued that Aishwarya's income is not being questioned, but her getting exemption under NRI category is questionable.

The key issue is whether Aishwarya - who had won Miss World title in 1996-1997 - could claim to be a Non Resident Indian for that period in order to seek exemption, Chattarjee further submitted.